The Gauntlet: Worksharp Guided Sharpening System - Preparedmind101 

It looks like a great system. Those guys at Work Sharp make some of the most innovative & effective sharpening systems on the market. The stuff they come up with is really amazing! I probably won't be getting one of these, simply because I can sharpen anything from a 2" pen knife to a 22" machete with what I already have, but if I needed a good sharpening system, and didn't want to spend several hundred dollars on one, this system would be right at the top of my list! Normally I would have recommended a Lansky system or one of DMT's Aligner or Diafold Magna-guide systems, but I think this may actually be an easier system to get good results with. That's impressive! Here's a tip for first time users though. The first time you sharpen a knife on this system you're going to be reprofiling the edge on your knife so that it's compatible with the angle guides on the system. There is no specific number of strokes that you need to make to do that. You have to sharpen one side at a time -- no switching from side to side every other stroke -- and keep going until you raise a burr along the full length of the opposite edge regardless of how many strokes are required to accomplish that. Depending on the hardness of the edge and the angle of the factory grind it could take 10 strokes to do that, or it could take 100 strokes to do that, but only after you have created that burr along the full length of the opposite edge do you flip the knife over and start sharpening the other side, and you have to do exactly the same thing on that side too. If you don't get that burr raised on both sides with the coarsest stone the knife will never get sharp no matter how high you polish it with the fine stones. You have to get that burr on both sides first! It tells you to do this in the instructions, but when I was doing my weekend knife sharpening business this was the single most common mistake I saw when customers came to me with knives they couldn't get sharp. They'd start progressing up through the finer grits without first getting that burr with the coarse stone. They'd end up with a knife that had a beautifully polished edge but wouldn't cut warm butter. I saw time after time after time.

Just bought one through the PreparedMind101 store! Thanks Chris. This is my first sharpening system besides the slightly abrasive surface of my table.

I looked at the worksharp sharpeners and was impressed, I didnt buy one because I decided to get back into making knives and bought 2 new belt sanders instead. I have been a professional knife sharpener on and off for decades and this is one great product, I love products like this because they are fantastic for the beginner and the expert, I have whetstones and other sharpening systems but I definitely will be adding this one as well, worksharp is a company well worth investing in and I thank you for bringing this out to play with so we can all benefit. Cheers

thanks for the review! went and bought it today and I have sharpened three of my knives. They all came out razor sharp and or was very easy to use. good investment!!

Good review. Love the system as well.

Mr Tanner, this was an EXCELLENT review,demonstration! I'm going to have to get one of these. One can use it at home or in the field if one is trucking off road and not just back packing. Thanks!!!

watching for it in the stores here, Thanks Chris

Nice review Chris. That looks like a real good system. I will have to get one of those on my next Amazon order. Thx for showing that to us. Jerry

I love my original Worksharp and the field sharpener and I will be purchasing this ASAP!

that seems like an awesome system man, very cool. I'll definitely be scooping one of those up. I feel your pain about the rain, right across the IN border. The town has been flooding to the point where they have started sandbagging rivers. Good vid man, keep it real.

Looks good. I'm always interested in easier. Looking forward to the review of the Forest Trail.

I really enjoyed the video, great review. We can really use that rain my way!

It’s a great product! Moreover excellent review!

And now the savings begin, I have a $20 Smiths sharpener and this is EXACTLY what I need. Great vid😀

Yep...buying one of those very soon! Awesome!

I worked for Darex/Drill Doctor, the parent company, for a few months about 16yrs ago,to fill up time while home visiting from working over seas. Just got one of the field sharpeners the other day...had a laugh when I saw who made it. Thought, why not give it a go. Looked up some reviews on youtube...Works great for me. Nice to see they are still putting out good products. Had to laugh at the 42yr also, but hey, 42 is the answer to the universe... Great video. I am sure folks will love this thing! T, if you are still with them, this is Weaper. Still makin' it back home now and then, still have all my parts, tho' I may be missin' a few more marbles. Semper Fi !

Sweet looking sharpener. It looks pretty foolproof ( which is exactly what I need). I may have to start saving up for this system. Peace

Great review Chris.. I like all your reviews and have taken a liking to the Beckers all thanks to them. I am new to sharpeners and this may sound silly but do these kind of sharpeners need any honing oil?

That was a very impressive demonstration of the Worksharp Sharpening System, Chris. I only recently purchased the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker and, though it is a fairly good system, I'm still having difficulty sharpening the edge of the blade just below/before the knife's point. Very frustrating, to say the least. I hate dull blades. This Worksharp System looks very cool. Your video is very cool and gives me inspiration letting me know that there's probably still hope for me yet. I'm indebted. By the way: hope the rain stops soon. I know the fear of a flooded basement.

Today seems like the first sunny day here in VA for weeks! But dang... I need to get my hand on one of these! I have the spyderco sharpmaker, but this thing... just seems even more simple to use, and just... better.

Nice sharpening system

Great review, this product is probably The best answer to All The guided rod system and it is less agressive then The belted one. Another one to add to The wish list.

Yeah, I know there are some who will cry foul because Worksharp gave these to us but it really is as good as you said it is. I'm going to shoot my review on Friday and repair and sharpen the Strongarm that I just beat through a steel drum lid. This is a home run for Worksharp.

I am liking this sharpener. I have the field sharpener which I keep in my woods pack and I use it from time to time, in fact I used it 2 days ago. I don't see myself buying this as I have a few of the Spyderco bench stones that I mostly use these days but I could really see how this would help someone new to sharpening....

Do you use an ecig? I saw it in some of your old videos. Love your vids. Keep'em comin!

Just watched this a second time. Finally plunking down for this system. Thanks for the vid on this. Curious...why isn't the upgrade kit in your store? P.S. Looking forward to using this with my...hands.

Thanks for the review Chris, I'm in the market for a knife sharpener and I'm down to either this sharpener or the work sharp with the belts. What would you choose? I have a variety of knives but I would probably own both sharpeners later, which should I start with?

Whenever you are left to sharpen knives 'freehand' (which is essentially what happens once you leave the guide ramp) you run the risk of variation. A truly fixed system like the Wicked Edge solves these problems, but of course, always at a premium price. I think this looks like a great system that should suit most budgets.

Preparedmind101 Great Video... enjoy All your reviews so far. Be prepared- now that's the best way to Survive!!!!

Chris I am getting the original one for my bk-9 and I was wondering when you get your kydex sheaths for it did you have to send your knife to the maker of the kydex after you stripped it or does it still fit good? +preparedmind101

hey Chris I got the Habilis srt bush tool as my main knife and it has a 30degree sharpening radius does the new work sharpe ner have the guide for it because there is alot of knives going 27 - 30 degrees if they dont dont you think they should with the new knives coming.

Great channel. Terrific reviews. And yes, I watch this channel because I'm into knives. That is where I got my name from. Keep'em coming.

Chris, this is an awesome video, and I love the idea behind this. However, something you said has raised a question: exactly what constitutes as a "large knife"? The reason why I ask this is what you may consider "large", someone else may consider tiny.

Random question, where do you keep all your knives? it would due interesting to see a video on that.

your welcome for all that weather buddy!

what angle would you use on the Ontario Rat 1. also would you recommend the upgrade kit for it too? this will be my first knife sharpener. I use to just pay someone to sharpen mine, but want to become more self reliant.

Chris, Will this sharpener work on a recurve blade, such as the SCHF9? I may have missed that part, not sure?

Hey chris, Did you or any of the other guys use this on a scandi? I have several knives and this looks awesome but I have 2 scandi blades I do with just a wet stone and strop.

Cool sharpener, thanks for turning me on to this. What would you recommend for tomahawks and axes?

Can anyone help me to buy the Work Sharp Guided Sharpening Kit + the Upgrade Kit? I cant find any shop, that ship this to Germany! Please help me. Thanks

would like to use this to sharpen an Ontario Knives SP-10 Marine Raider Bowie. It has a 10" plain edge/flat grind blade with 1095 carbon steel (57-59 HRC). Would this work well for that?

I use just a 8 dollar wet rock with 2 grits and leather and can get any knife as sharp as that thing. Took me probably a solid year to learn though lol. I almost wish I didn't know how to sharpen cause I'm liking this product!

Just a quick question, I didn't see it mentioned anywhere, is this a dry hone system or does it need lubricating?

Wow, I just have the field sharpener, and I love it, that thing always puts on a nice razor sharp edge.. but I had no idea they made this one. Looks like this will be next on my list as its a whole lot bigger, easier to work with, and can sharpen a whole lot more.

Chris: i have the sharpener but mine doesn't swivel ! How do I unlock it? Could you do another show and do a set up of the system?🌟

Awesome! Sharpener

The upgrade kit is on amazon now. Its a little over priced but what are you going to do?.?. You got to have it!!!!!

Your right if your into knives you need a solid system to sharpen your blades. To many folks that use regular stones get the angle wrong when they sharpen their blades and it messes with the grind of that blade..

Ok, I need this product

Can u use this on my benchmade arvensis or is the knife to big

it looks like it will be a good muscle memory trainer for your hand .it would also be good for the beginner .

42 isn't a random number its the answer to the question of life, the universe and everything also great video i couldn't decide between the field sharpener and the knife and tool sharpener but this seems to be a good compromise between the two

Is this good for large blades 10" such as a Esse Junglas ?

i'm getting one !

So I was debating between guided and field sharpener. I went with the guided based on this video but it did not come with the upgrade kit. It put a decent edge on it but I have limited success with the paper test. For those viewers on a budget the field sharpener may be a better way to go because you get a leather strop with it.

Chris, how will those stones hold up over time?

u should review the spyderco sharp maker as the next sharpener please i don't have this one yet it is on way but the other work sharp so please do a video please

Thanks for the review. But isn't a 20 degree angle a little steep for an outdoor fixed blade? I have the Ken Onion Worksharp and that recommends 25 degrees for outdoor knives and 20 degrees for kitchen knives. Thanks.

Just ordered mine through your store on Amazon. Now I wait...

Been waiting for this to come up on Amazon but i guess i will buy it from work sharp.

Of course the warranty is for 42 years. By now everybody knows that 42 is the answer to life, the universe, and everything! RIP Douglas Adams. But anyway, I'm a sharpenoholic, and even though I have various stones, hones, strops, and a sharpening system, I'm always on the lookout, and this is simply ingenious.

Are these better than the Japanese wet stones?

Chirs: If you were going to be in the woods for an exteneded period of time, where it is very wet. Which knife would you want out of BK-22, Esee-5, or similar custom made knife ?

How would you do a scandi grind?

Would this work with a 5 inch blade?

So, do you think i should buy the feild sharpener for 27$ on amazon or should i dish out the 90$ for this with the kit on amazon? Im just getting into knives and i have a few good ones id like to sharpen and maintain but ill probably practice on my cheeper knives first. see how that goes. I just dont know which would be best for me

you are right

Thanks Chris. I'm thinking about spending some of my hard earned income tax return and buy one. Just can't pop on the Edge Pro system yet. Really expensive.

Terrific Chris !!!!! Did you come up with this gauntlet concept ? I can put a razor edge on a knife using a Norton crystalon stone and then using the honing stone that comes with my Randall knives , but it takes me a very long time ..... Another terrific review ! Hate to say it but those escaped convicts make the guys on Alone look like a bunch of drugstore Cowboys :).

Quick question: why is everything you stand behind/design have the word Jessica in it? Last name? Thanks!

iv been a professional sharpener for years now. I love all your videos. This video was the same. One thing i can add if you dont mind is every time you flick or pass the knife blade off the stone/diamond it rounds off the tip little by little. just my 2 cents. i realize it might be hard with that design of that sharpener. with it moving on you.

Hi, Anybody know how I can buy spare Coarse and Extra-Coarse diamond plates for the Work Sharp Guided Sharpening System? I tried the Work Sharp web site, it is a VERY basic site. I found pages on the Coarse and Extra Coarse diamond plates, but there are no buttons to BUY or ADD TO CART. I've scoured the Internet, but so far, the only hits I have found for individual Coarse and Extra Coarse diamond plates are the Work Sharp site. Amazon doesn't sell them individually. All advice gratefully received Cheers

Nice tool! But you are limited to the type of edge, and it can't do convex edges. So it's good to have both systems I'm guessing.

Why you need to have a few passes on one side until a burr is formed, can you go one pass on each side ?

Hey chris, great review man. Do you think you'll review any more beckers in the future, say like a Bk4?

Rain sounds so much better than a dry 105 for days straight. Want to trade?

I want that schrade 51 !!!

Is this better than the Spyderco Sharpmaker?

Here comes Mr. Shaky Hands..ahaaha good job

Awesome video Chris I think the next time I am at Cabelas I will have to pick one up. Hey I got a question that you can probably answer since you are a knife guy and I can trust your opinion. I am looking for a new folding knife that is a descent size, good for small bush craft tasks and general use, comfortable to carry in my pocket(I am 6ft tall and 150lbs), comfortable grip for what it is, durable, and wont make my wallet scream when I go to pay for it! I am sure you probably have a video like that but I just recently joined you channel and haven't watched a lot of you vids yet. So if you could point me in the right direction that would be awesome! Thanks a lot Chris and as always keep up the great work. Oh as always no freaking serrated blades! lol

can it sharpen a scandi grind and would it work on larger knives? please answer anyone:)

Might buy one if they start offering a 43 years warranty.

Gunna hafta buy me one! lol

You can send some of that rain out west. We are going to dry up and blow away...

This is definatly an item for your Fallout shack

42 is the answer to life, the universe, and everything.

If you collect knives invest in a Wicked Edge and be done with it. Or at least an Edge Pro.

That's not a random number, that's the answer to the most important question!

42 is the answer to everything.- Douglas Adams

Upgrade kit is also on there, Chris. www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00X9L03Y0/ref=pd_aw_fbt_469_img_2?refRID=130H7DQJ0BF5B6PX4ZYP

Every gamut review that I've seen so far are people sharpening ... sharp knives and then OMGing over how great of a job it does. I'm sure that this system is a very good one. However if you're used to using another method this new method is going to take a bit of practice. Also, no one that I know of yet has attempted to sharpen a re-curve blade which is a pretty popular style.

I got hit with the same stom we got 7 inch

its already on amazon as of 6/24/15. I just found it for $59.95

Looks like it belongs on the POS list. Doesn't come close to EdgePro or Lansky; might as well just use the penny trick, for $.03 you can get the same effect.

42 is not random it's a numbers geeks like to get out over its from Hitchhiker's Guide to the galaxy the book or movie

Don't mind you shaving your arms as it definitely proves the blades are sharp. Just don't start on your legs.

I guess its a decent starting system for noobie knifeowners, personally id never use one. Imo, edge peo apex is THE best sharpening system out there, is it a lil pricey? Yes but is definitely wirth the money and some. I use it to set the edge and then use the stones freehand for touch up. Plus im not a fan of diamonds for sharpening, I only use them for stroping but its a .5 micron spray on kangaroo leather. I don't care if its my $3 kitchen knife, $50 spyderco or my Direware custom, im not putting it on diamond stones, but thats me. Again, fir someone new to knives this looks good but if you're a serious knife guy, learn to freehand and there are better systems out there.

Chris, get your damn hands out of my wallet!